China Issues Guidance on 2020 Sulphur Cap
China MSA has announced details on how the 2020 fuel sulphur regulations will be implemented.
Local correspondents Huatai have published guidance on the MSA’s implementation scheme, particularly on how it will impact foreign-flagged vessels.
Outside the Chinese designated emission control areas – which are not to be confused with MARPOL Annex VI emission control areas – the fuel sulphur regulations will follow MARPOL Annex VI. This means that from 1 January 2020, the 0.50% sulphur limit will apply and from 1 March 2020 the prohibition on the carriage of non-compliant fuel will be in force.
Different rules apply within the various Chinese emission control areas, such as inland waterways, coastal emission control areas and Hainan waters. As well as enforcing a 0.10% sulphur limit in some of these areas, the use of open loop scrubbers will not be allowed within any of the Chinese emission control areas.
Huatai also advise that the MSA will issue further guidance on enforcement before the end of 2019.
The Huatai Circular PNI 1907 can be read here.